If you think a towing company is overcharging you or has illegally towed your vehicle, you can file a complaint
Most complaints about towing companies involve vehicles that were towed from private property without the vehicle owner's consent, also known as a trespass tow. Hillsborough County has rules intended to protect motorists and regulate towing services.
Things to know
- Towing services need permission to tow from private property, and must post signs, with telephone numbers, saying that trespassing vehicles will be removed
- Even if a vehicle already is connected to a tow truck, the truck operator must release the vehicle to its owner for no more than half of the towing rate
- Towing services can only charge rates approved by Hillsborough County
- Vehicle owners may retrieve personal property from their vehicle, regardless of whether payment for the tow has been made
How to report
- Gather the following information:
- Towing company name
- Timeframe in which your vehicle was towed
- Location from where the vehicle was towed
- Copy of the towing invoice (if available)
- Any other information to assist Code in responding to your Case
- Submit it online
- Choose "Towing" as the category
- Select the applicable subcategory
Anonymous Reporting
In accordance with state law, effective 2021, Hillsborough County does not accept anonymous complaints of code violations. Investigation of potential code violations requires a valid name and address of the complainant. Please also be aware that if your name and address are provided, that information constitutes a public record and is subject to disclosure pursuant to a public records request.
Contact
For questions or further information, email regcomp@hcfl.gov or call (813) 274-6600.